Shotover River Adventures & Scenic Boat Tours

Embark on the ultimate adventure along the iconic Shotover River, where adrenaline meets breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you are seeking the heart-pounding excitement of white-water rafting through legendary rapids or a serene boat tour through Skippers Canyon, our curated experiences offer something for every explorer. Discover stunning scenic views, explore historic landscapes, and immerse yourself in New Zealand's premier nature destination. From high-speed thrills to guided sightseeing tours, book your Shotover River adventure today and experience the rush of a lifetime!

4.8/5 avg ratingFrom $92 per person2,777+ happy travelersGuided adventure tours

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$119–$183 typical

Median price is $129, with a range of $92–$461

Rating

Rating

4.83★ average

Based on 2,777 pooled reviews

Tour Length

Tour Length

4 hours median

Options range from 31 minutes to 6.2 hours

Best For

Best For

Adventure

73% of tour options feature this theme

Top Activity

Top Activity

Rafting

The most common activity at 36% of options

Languages

Languages

5 languages offered

English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese

11 Products

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
Summary

Experience Queenstown’s most iconic jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Speed through narrow canyons at up to 90kmh, with thrilling 360° spins and exclusive canyon access.

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Summary

Experience breathtaking scenery, Lord of the Rings locations, the Skippers Road and the adrenaline pumping jet boat ride through the most dramatic canyons of the Shotover River.

Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Summary

Raft the famous Shotover River on thrilling, grade 3 to 5 whitewater rapids on a half-day trip from Queenstown. Experience Skippers Canyon's daunting cliff edges and gold-mining history by bus. 

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Highlights Tour
Summary

The Goldrush Tour - Your journey back in time to Queenstown’s golden era! With beer tasting, wine or barista coffee included! The greatest in depth look at Skippers Canyon and The Shotover River

Shotover River White Water Rafting by RealNZ
Summary

Tackle six grade 3–5 rapids on the Shotover River with expert guides in this action-packed 4.5-hour whitewater rafting adventure. Getting started Begin your journey in Queenstown, where a shuttle takes you to the Rafting Base for a safety briefing and gear fitting. After meeting your guides, travel ...

Inclusions
  • - 2-hour rafting on the Shotover River
  • - Professional rafting guides
  • - Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
  • - All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet
  • - Use of hot showers
The Grand Circle 35-Minute Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing
Summary

Discover the diverse landscapes of the Wakatipu Basin from above on a scenic 35 -minute helicopter tour. Fly past Shotover River's canyons, Coronet Peak, and land high in the Southern Alps.

Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride by KJet
Summary

Power through a 1-hour jet boat adventure on Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau, and Shotover rivers—rated 4.8 by over 1,250 thrill-seekers. Getting started Check in at the main jet boat dock on Lake Wakatipu, where staff will confirm your booking and provide a quick safety briefing. Life jackets are distribute...

Inclusions
  • - 1-hour jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
  • - 360° spins on water
  • - High-speed river travel
  • - Expert driver/guide
  • - Life jackets (up to 4XL size)
Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour
Summary

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Shotover River and explore the historic Skippers Canyon on a scenic tour from Queenstown.

Shotover River whitewater rafting
$129
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Shotover River whitewater rafting
Summary

Book this Shotover River whitewater rafting and enjoy grade 3-5 whitewater rapids if you're an adrenaline junky visiting Queenstown!

Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride with Scenic Road Tour
Summary

Race through Skippers Canyon’s dramatic landscapes on a 25-minute jet boat ride, with access to iconic Lord of the Rings locations. Getting started Arrive at the designated meeting point to check in and meet your guide. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll board your vehicle for the scenic drive al...

Inclusions
  • - Guided tour of Skippers Canyon
  • - Live commentary
  • - Expert local driver/guide
  • - 25-minute jet boat ride
  • - Life jackets/spray jackets
  • - Gloves (in winter)
Exclusions
  • - Photo or video packages (available at an additional cost)

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